The meeting of the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) was held today, 3 June 2026, under the chairpersonship of the Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment at New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Ramdas Athawale, Hon’ble Minister of State of Social Justice and Empowerment and Shri B L Verma, Hon’ble Minister of State of Social Justice and Empowerment and witnessed the good participation of nominated members of the Council.

The National Council for Transgender Persons serves as the apex advisory body to guide the Government on policies, programmes, and measures aimed at safeguarding the rights and promoting the welfare of transgender persons across the country.

The Council was briefed about the various measures being undertaken under the SMILE(Transgender) scheme for the welfare, empowerment, and social inclusion of transgender persons. It was informed to the Council that, as of date, 23 Garima Grehs, 26 Transgender Protection Cells, and 30 Transgender Welfare Boards are operational across the country. 

The Council was further apprised that more than 49,000 transgender persons have benefited from skill development and capacity building programmes conducted through the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD).  In addition, 821 transgender persons have secured gainful employment through Garima Grehs, and a project to train 1,800 transgender persons under an Entrepreneurship Development Programme is currently under implementation.

Discussions were also held on various aspects of welfare and employment, including enhancing awareness, promoting economic empowerment, strengthening financial inclusion, improving access to essential services, and ensuring effective grievance redressal mechanisms.

Members of the Council shared valuable suggestions and recommendations on matters relating to healthcare, education, housing, livelihood opportunities, social security, and protection from discrimination. The Council also deliberated on measures to further strengthen awareness and sensitization programmes among government agencies, service providers, employers, educational institutions, and the general public.

The Council members appreciated the various welfare initiatives being undertaken by the Ministry for the empowerment and well-being of transgender persons.

Addressing the meeting, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring dignity, equality, social justice, and inclusive development for transgender persons. He emphasized the importance of coordinated and convergent efforts among Central Ministries, State Governments, financial institutions, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to enhance access to education, healthcare, shelter facilities, skill development, employment opportunities, social security, and sustainable livelihoods for transgender persons.

The Hon’ble Union Minister also stressed the need for continued sensitization of all stakeholders and strengthening institutional mechanisms, including Transgender Protection Cells at the State and District levels, to ensure a supportive and enabling environment for transgender persons. He appreciated the active participation and constructive suggestions offered by the members of the Council and reiterated the Government’s resolve to work in close partnership with the transgender community and all stakeholders towards ensuring their welfare, empowerment, and social inclusion.

Shri Ramdas Athawale, Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment suggested that a dedicated survey may be considered in the future to obtain more comprehensive data, which could further support evidence-based policy formulation and targeted welfare interventions.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to accelerate efforts for the empowerment, welfare, and mainstreaming of transgender persons. The Council underscored the importance of coordinated and collective efforts by all stakeholders to achieve the shared objective of ensuring dignity, equal opportunities, and inclusive development for transgender persons across the country.

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